GOD'S EVERLASTING ARMS
Memorise:
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. .. Deuteronomy 33:27
Read:
1 Samuel 2:6-9
Message
God's arms are everlasting (Deuteronomy 33:27), so when He begins to lift you, no one can bring you down. When human beings promote you, they never want to put you on the same level as themselves. In Genesis 39:1-5, Potiphar promoted Joseph and put him in charge of everything in his house, but he was still a slave.
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. 1 Samuel 18:4
Jonathan gave David many gifts because he loved him but did not give him his shoes. In those days, no matter how much you give to a man, you can collect those things back if you don't give him your shoes (Ruth 4:7-8). Also, servants never wore shoes. Thus, Jonathan was telling him, "I love you greatly, but don't forget that I am a prince and you are an ordinary citizen in this kingdom".
Another thing you can learn from the story of Joseph is that if human beings promote you, they can also bring you down. It is the same Potiphar who made Joseph the head of all his slaves who later threw him in prison. Those shouting 'Hosanna' today may shout 'Crucify him' tomorrow. When God decided to promote Joseph, He brought him to a level so high that even Potiphar- his former slave master, had to bow before him. The Most High will promote you and very soon, all those who have been oppressing you will bow before you, in Jesus' name.
The Almighty God took David - who was a shepherd boy, made him a king and kept on promoting him until he became the father of the King of kings (Revelation 22:16). This is a classic example of God lifting a fellow with His everlasting arms.
Do you know that if God decides to promote you, even after you are dead, the promotion continues? God however, will not lift the proud in His everlasting arms. You must surrender your life totally to Jesus and humble yourself before Him if you want Him to promote you (1 Peter 5:6).
Bible In One Year:
Obadiah 1
Hymn:
In Christ Alone
Key Point:
Be humble so that God can promote you with His everlasting arms.
In Christ Alone